The Colditz News section is designed to share current information relating to Colditz, former inmates or indeed anything which may be relevant to visitors of this site. I will also be adding details of events in the UK that you may find interesting - if you find things that I have missed then let me know and I'll add them here. To be automatically notified of new news posts here, just subscribe using the box on the left - and, in case you're wondering, we hate spam so your address will never be shared with 3rd parties.
I have been fortunate enough to have recently corresponded with the daughter of one of the last Colditz veterans, Ralph Cowan.
Above. Ralph Cowen, Private, Kings Royal Rifle Corps, as drawn by Earl Haig.
Through our e-mails Lorraine and I have been able to piece together some information and pictures of Ralph which any Colditz enthusiast will be delighted to see. Some have rarely, if ever, been seen before.
In the ‘Men of Colditz’ section of this site there is a new ‘Individuals’ section of which Ralph’s is the first story. Please take the time to read Ralph’s story in his own words and enjoy his fantastic photos from Mooseburg & Colditz.
I am delighted to say “Skirmish - The Living History Magazine” has published an article written by myself on Colditz Castle. It is a 2 page spread and covers not just the history of the castle but also it’s uncertain future.
I have scanned it on to 2 word docs as it is hard to put it on here. If anyone wants to buy a copy of the mag it can be purchased from WH Smiths. If anyone wants me to e-mail them the word docs I can do so, please e mail me.
A scanned version is featured below but it is not a great copy.
The Arctile also features 2 photos from guests who have been on my trips, Melvyn Lawes (night shot) & Alan Worrell (day shot).
Today the Telegraph on-line carries the following interesting story:
“Nine stolen Victoria Crosses and other military medals have been recovered after Lord Ashcroft, the Conservative Party’s deputy chairman, paid a £75,000 reward.”
Among the haul was ex Colditz POW Capt. Charles Upham’s double VC.
On a personal note Upham was heavily involved in the defence of Sfakia, Crete allowing servicemen to evacuate. My paternal Grandfather, RAF, was one of them.
Dave Windle, a fellow Colditz Society member, had the opportunity to video Walter Morison, a veteran of Stalag Luft III, Sagan and Oflag IVC, Colditz. Here is a short exert from his interview. I had the pleasure of meeting Walter last year and am delighted to say I am the owner of a signed copy of his excellent book ‘Flak & Ferrets’.
A short film by Dave Windle, a fellow Colditz Society member. Dave had the privilege of knowing some of the veterans and had the opportunity to interview some of them. He is currently transferring the videos to DVD.
